Saddle Up for Adventure: Abilene, Kansas, is Your Frontier Tourism Destination
As travelers continue to crave open spaces and meaningful connections with nature, the allure of frontier tourism is stronger than ever. Inspired by our biophilic instincts and cultural influences like Yellowstone and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, this trend celebrates the rugged charm of the Wild West and the freedom of life on the frontier. Abilene, Kansas, embodies this spirit with its rich cowboy heritage, wide-open landscapes, and unique attractions along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail.
If you're ready to embrace the "cowboy core" lifestyle, here's why Abilene is the perfect destination for your next frontier adventure.
The Heart of Cowboy Culture
Abilene was born in the days of the Wild West as the end of the Chisholm Trail, where cowboys drove cattle from Texas to railroads bound for Eastern markets. This history is woven into the fabric of the town, making it an ideal spot for travelers yearning for authentic frontier experiences.
- Old Abilene Town: Step back in time to the days of rowdy saloons, gunfights, and can-can dancers. Wander the boardwalk, visit restored buildings, and catch live reenactments of Wild West gunfights. Don’t miss the chance to see the can-can dancers perform, bringing the lively spirit of frontier entertainment to life!
- Kansas Gunsmoke Trail: Abilene is a proud stop on the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, which connects towns steeped in Wild West lore. As the original "cow town," Abilene offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of legendary lawmen like Wild Bill Hickok.
Nature Meets Nostalgia
"A May 2024 report from the World Economic Forum singled out biophilia (the instinct to seek connections with nature) as a key factor in choosing where we travel."
Abilene’s wide-open spaces and untouched beauty provide a natural sanctuary for visitors seeking to reconnect with the land. Frontier tourism in Abilene blends the peace of nature with the thrill of cowboy adventures.
- Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad: Ride the rails on this historic train and take in the breathtaking Kansas prairie, imagining the journeys of settlers and cowboys who paved the way for the frontier.
- Iron Horse Trail: Hike or bike this scenic trail that winds along the Smoky Hill River, offering panoramic views and a sense of connection to the landscape that shaped the frontier spirit.
The Cowboy Core Lifestyle
"Skyscanner reported that a quarter of its users listed ‘eating around a campfire’ and ‘sleeping under the stars’ as the experiences they were most excited about for 2025."
In Abilene, the "cowboy core" trend is more than just a passing fad—it’s a way of life. Embrace the rugged charm and hospitality of the West with experiences that blend tradition and adventure:
- Family-Style Dinners: Savor hearty, farmhouse-inspired meals served family-style at Legacy Kansas: Munson's Prime & Legacy Kansas.
- The World's Largest Belt Buckle: Celebrate cowboy style with a visit to this larger-than-life attraction, a nod to Abilene’s proud western heritage.
- Cowboy Festivals and Events: Plan your visit around Chisholm Trail Days, Dickinson County Heritage Center's Heritage Day or the Central Kansas Free Fair's Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo where you can mingle with fellow frontier enthusiasts and participate in events celebrating cowboy culture.
A Frontier Adventure Awaits in Abilene
Frontier tourism is about more than visiting remote places—it’s about experiencing the freedom and adventure of the open frontier. In Abilene, Kansas, the past comes alive through cowboy-themed attractions, immersive nature experiences, and a connection to history that’s impossible to replicate.
Whether you’re riding the rails, swapping stories around a campfire, or walking in the footsteps of Wild West legends, Abilene invites you to discover your inner cowboy and embrace the thrill of the frontier.
Plan your trip today at www.abilenekansas.org and saddle up for the ultimate frontier adventure!
Learn more about How travel will look at 2025 here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/2025-travel-trends.